The Absolute Surrender

Chapter 1: Tangled Time

Lilian felt herself floating into the unknown, the cold air gently touching her face. The peacefulness of the trees and plants around her made her feel calm. She didn't know where she was, but the feeling of drifting away was oddly comforting. It was a mix of fear and excitement, and she clutched her dress tightly as if it were a lifeline. She breathed, feeling her chest with air, her thoughts were suddenly interrupted when she stopped moving completely.

At that moment, Lilian found herself staring at a huge, old tree in the middle of the forest. Something was mesmerizing about it, a kind of energy that seemed to fill the air. The tree was surrounded by bright lights that made her squint, but instead of looking away, Lilian felt a strong urge to explore what was special about this magical tree.

She reached out to touch the bright light, and a strange calmness came over her. A warm feeling wrapped around her, pulling her deeper into the unknown, as if her very soul was being drawn away from everything she knew.

Suddenly, Lilian was jolted awake by her alarm. She took a few moments to shake off her sleepiness and figure out what was going on. She stood up and looked around her room, making sure she was really awake.

She noticed a faint vibration in her fingers, a feeling left over from her dream. Lilian took a moment to remember what she had just experienced. It was the same dream with slight changes that she had since she was young. She often wondered if it was her mind trying to escape her reality, but the dream felt too real. It was always a mystery to her why it kept happening and what it meant, and she was no closer to finding an answer.

Now fully awake, Lilian rushed to the bathroom and took a quick shower, glancing nervously at the clock on the wall. She moved quickly, hoping she wouldn't be late. Being late meant a stern talking-to from Mrs. Nora, the diner owner where Lilian worked. Over the months, she had seen Mrs. Nora's harsh temper, especially towards employees who made the diner open late.

As Lilian washed, she looked at her long, bright red hair and thought about one of the many mysteries she couldn't solve. She didn't know why her hair was such an unusual color. She wondered if it was something she got from her parents. With a heavy sigh, she realized that no one had the answers to the questions she carried.

Lilian had been left as a baby on the steps of an orphanage with no name or clue about her past. The caregivers named her Lilian out of necessity, not because it meant anything special. Growing up, she felt a deep pain from being unwanted, a shadow that always followed her. Unlike the other kids who had memories or dreams of being reunited with their parents, Lilian had nothing but a big emptiness.

Life at the orphanage was tough. Food was often scarce, and mealtimes were messy, leaving her hungry. The crowded dorms gave her little privacy, and finding a place to sleep was a nightly struggle. The older kids, frustrated and toughened by their own problems, often picked on Lilian for being different, especially because of her bright red hair. The bullying was unending, making her feel even more alone in an already lonely world.

In the tough life at the orphanage, Noah, an older boy who had been there longer, became Lilian's protector and only friend. He shared his food with her and stood up to the bullies. Noah's kindness was a rare bright spot in Lilian's hard life, giving her a sense of safety and belonging she had never felt before. Their bond grew stronger over time, and Noah became her lifeline in a world that often seemed determined to break her spirit. She didn't know how she would have survived without him. In the darkness, Noah was her light, and she was always grateful for that.

Lilian stepped out of the shower, dried herself quickly, and opened her small closet. She didn't need to think much about what to wear; her clothes were simple and few, reflecting her modest life. She picked the first clean clothes she found, dressed quickly, and braided her long, fiery red hair. The routine was comforting, offering a small sense of control in a life that often felt out of control.

When she was finally ready, she stepped out of her small apartment, locking the door behind her with a soft click. The hallway was dimly lit and quiet, the faint sounds of morning traffic drifting in from the street below. As she took a step forward, a large arm suddenly wrapped around her neck from behind, catching her off guard and causing her to cough dramatically. But even as her breath caught in her throat, a smile tugged at her lips. She knew exactly who it was.

"Noah!" she said, half-laughing and half-gasping as she tried to escape his playful hold.

"Sorry, sorry, are you okay?" Noah asked, his deep voice full of concern as he let her go. He patted her back gently to help her stop coughing, his touch soft despite the strength in his broad, muscular frame.

Noah was tall and solidly built, with a strong presence that drew attention. His dark hair was tousled as if he had just woken up, adding to his rugged look. His hazel eyes were usually warm and expressive, but now they showed worry as he watched Lilian catch her breath.

Lilian planned to keep up the act and let him worry a bit longer, but she couldn't help it. The sight of Noah's usually relaxed face looking so concerned was too much. She started laughing uncontrollably, doubling over with giggles and clutching her sides.

Noah's serious look broke, and he rolled his eyes in playful annoyance. "Ha-ha, very funny," he said sarcastically, though a smile was tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Lilian straightened up, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye as she grinned at him. "You should've seen your face," she teased, still laughing.

Noah pouted, his full lips forming a mock frown. "Yeah, yeah, you got me," he said, shaking his head.

"Come on, we better hurry, or Mrs. Nora will have our heads," Lilian urged, and they quickened their pace, leaving the apartment building behind. Noah lived next door, and they both worked at the same diner. Despite the years since they left the orphanage, not much had changed in their routine.

As they walked together, Noah suddenly stopped and bent down in front of her, looking at her intently. Lilian frowned, confused. "What's up?"

"You braided your hair," Noah said, his voice calm, but his eyes stayed on the neat braid hanging over her shoulder.

"Does it look bad? Does it not suit me?" she asked, her voice showing a bit of worry as she started to doubt her choice.

Noah paused for a moment, making the silence last long enough to make her nervous. Then a slow grin appeared on his face.

Lilian braced herself for a teasing comment, but he simply said, "I like it."

Before she could say anything, Noah took off, putting some distance between them. He missed the surprised blush on her cheeks. It was the first time he had complimented her so directly.

A smile spread across her face. "Hey, wait up!" she called out, running to catch up with him.